(Maricopa County) Back by popular demand, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department will roll out the 2012 Fall Challenge on Thursday, November 1.

“Last year’s 100-Miles of Hiking challenge was centered around Arizona’s Centennial celebration and we had close to 200 people complete the challenge,” stated R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director.

“To mix things up this year, we’re rolling out a new program which will not only test their physical skills but also their knowledge of the County’s regional park system. The fall bingo challenge contains a mixture of physical activities, trivia questions, puzzles, interpretive programs and the opportunity to truly experience the beauty of the Sonoran desert while qualifying for a complimentary, limited edition tee-shirt and grand prize,” added Cardin.

Participating in the program is simple; bingo boards may be obtained by visiting a County park or downloaded at www.maricopa.gov/parks. Once participants have completed all of the tasks on the board, the board may be returned to a County park to be eligible for one of three grand prize drawings. Participants who complete all three boards will be eligible for all three grand prize drawings of an annual mountain park pass ($75 value) and $25 Nature Center retail voucher (total value not to exceed $100).

So rev up your printers, grab your backpacks and water bottles and plan on joining the department on November 1 as they launch the program. The program runs through February 28, 2013. To recognize those who complete the bingo challenge, celebrations have been scheduled at seven of the County’s regional parks. In addition, everyone who completes the program will receive a limited edition tee-shirt at the celebration. For a list of County parks and additional information, visit www.maricopa.gov/parks.